Puneet Issar, the director of the 2004 film "Garv: Pride & Honour," recently shared insights into Salman Khan's state of mind during the filming of the movie, which coincided with the actor's infamous hit-and-run case in 2002. Issar revealed that Khan was "disturbed" by the legal battle and intense media scrutiny surrounding the case but maintained a professional attitude on set, largely due to his family's support and advice.
The hit-and-run case dates back to September 28, 2002, when Salman Khan was arrested for rash and negligent driving after his car ran into a bakery in Mumbai. One person sleeping on the pavement outside the bakery died, and four others were injured. Khan was accused of driving an SUV over pavement dwellers in Bandra, resulting in the death of one person. It was also alleged that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. He was charged with culpable homicide.
In 2015, a Mumbai sessions court sentenced Khan to five years in prison for culpable homicide. However, the Bombay High Court acquitted Khan of all charges in December 2015, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. The Bombay High Court stated that there was not enough evidence to prove that Khan was inebriated and driving the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Issar recalled a conversation he had with Salman Khan's father, the veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, who emphasized the importance of staying busy with work during that difficult period. According to Issar, the Khan family collectively decided that Salman should focus on his work to navigate the challenging times. Salim Khan advised Puneet to ensure Salman remained dedicated to his work.
Despite the turmoil, Salman Khan demonstrated a strong work ethic and maintained high morale on the set of "Garv". Issar noted that Khan was professional and dedicated to his craft, maintaining his fitness regime and performing stunts effortlessly. Issar described him as athletic, recalling that he used to skate and was a brilliant horse rider. He would do stunts that usually take a full day, but he managed them effortlessly.
Puneet Issar's "Garv" was a major hit. At that time, Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Salman were the three leading stars. The media leaned towards Shah Rukh because he had gone international, but Salman was already an A-lister. Issar was a new director and producer. They created the film for about Rs 14–15 crore, and it ultimately grossed around Rs 89 crore, according to Wikipedia. Salman received acclaim for his performance, and the action sequences were exceptional.
The 2002 hit-and-run case remains a significant event in Salman Khan's life, and Puneet Issar's recent revelations provide insight into how the actor and his family navigated the challenging period. Despite the legal troubles and media attention, Salman Khan continued to focus on his work, demonstrating professionalism and resilience.
